The Eagle Angle Issue 2 Volume 34 by The Eagle Angle

EA Allen High School Issue 2 Volume 34 December 2016

A DIABETIC EDUCATION

November focuses on awareness, health-conscious habits | page 4

AEROSPACE AND BEYOND

Juniors study STEM, prepare for the future with NASA program | page 6

BALANCING ACT

Student gymnasts reflect on their commitment to the sport | page 12

TACKLING CONCUSSIONS The invisible injury and how Allen is taking it head-on | page 8

The Eagle Angle distributes 1000 copies of each issue on campus to faculty and students. Contents may be viewed online at theeagleangle. com. Businesses who wish to advertise should contact Kelly Juntunen, newspaper adviser, at 469-319-6216. The Eagle Angle reserves the right to deny publication of advertisements. Advertisements are not necessarily endorsed by the staff or administration. All editorials reflect the views of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the staff, adviser or administration. The Eagle Angle is a member of Quill and Scroll, the Interscholastic League Press Conference and JEA/ NSPA.

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Staff

Table of Contents NEWS/FEATURE

Briefly speaking.......................................................... 2 Q&A with Emily Evans..............................................3 A diabetic education....................................................4 To aerospace and beyond............................................6 Students peacefully protest, sit for Pledge...............7

COVER STORY

Sports Editor | Jackson Stone

Tackling Concussions........................................... 8-11 The invisible injury and how Allen is taking it head-on

Assistant Sports Editor | Parker Primrose

SPORTS

Online Editor | Makayla Nerpel Multimedia Editor | Josh Magpantay Staff writers | Nas Baclay, Brandon Barton, Corinne Chandler, Pauline Esguerra, Braylon Fernandez, Ella Geosits, Christian Hinton, Natalie McMahon, Maya Morriswala, Christine Odwesso, Tate Peterson, Coleman Pyeatt, Francis Salazar, Astrid Souto, Caroline Tucker, Audrey Vieria, Alyssa White, Erik Young, Mark Young Adviser | Kelly Juntunen *denotes members of the Editorial Board

Cover photo by | Jackson Stone

Allen’s drive to state..................................................12 Balancing act..............................................................13

PHOTO ESSAY

Students throw down in ceramics......................14-15

COMMENTARY

The nature of the beast.............................................16 Astrology: Which movie are you?............................17 Artists of Allen..........................................................18 Make America fear again..........................................18 Staff editorial..............................................................19 ‘Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life’.......................... 20 ‘Starboy’......................................................................21 Track by Track: ‘Nemesis’........................................21

Letter to the Reader

We’re now almost done with another semester of high school in Allen, Texas. There’s been a lot going on these few months, but, as always in Allen, football reigns supreme in everyone’s minds. Our season has been incredibly successful so far, and a state championship seems to be within our grasps once again. We often only see the glory of it all: the jampacked stadiums, the thunderous band, the triumphant feeling in the air as we win again and again. But there are dangers to the sport everyone loves and unites around. Concussions are one such danger. Our cover story goes into detail about how concussions affect sports teams across the country, as well as our very own alumni. In this issue, we bring light to other health issues as well, including chronic diseases and mental illness. Even though we’re young, we’re still susceptible to the very real perils that anyone can face, no matter how invincible youth may seem. To some, the results of the presidential election are another peril to face. Those who are displeased have taken to peaceful protest and writing their feelings out in our very own commentary section to express their discontent. But don’t fret; not everything is dramatic and dreary. Inside you can also find an article about gymnasts pursuing their passions and a girl with a less-than-usual companion. Just like life, this magazine has it all. Sincerely,

Photo by | Jackson Stone

Letter to the Reader | 1

Briefly speaking Compiled by | Divya Jagadeesh

Former Cuban dictator Fidel Castro died on Nov. 25 at 90-yearsold of natural causes. Castro is known for his role in the Cuban Revolution and governed Cuba for 47 years as Prime Minister. Under him, Cuba became a socialist state, and he was a controversial world leader. Cuba declared nine days of national mourning, and his funeral will be on Dec. 4.

Fidel Castro dies The Foundation For Allen Schools’ Community Scholarship Application is now open for all seniors. Students may apply for over 80 locally funded scholarships by only filling out one application. Applications can be found at www.AISDFoundation.org. The deadline is 4 p.m., Jan. 10.

Community Scholarship Application On the morning of Nov. 28, Ohio State University student Abdul Artan intentionally crashed his car into pedestrians and then began stabbing those on the sidewalk. He injured 11 students, faculty and staff members before a campus police officer shot and killed him. The F.B.I. looked into Artan’s Facebook comments, which indicated that he may have felt that Muslims were being persecuted.

Ohio State University stabbing President-elect Donald Trump said on Nov. 30 that he will cede his business empire’s affairs before his inauguration to avoid a conflict of interest. Trump said he will hold a news conference with his adult children to show legal documents that will remove him of all business operations. However, while he said that he will hand over control on business operations, he has not said anything about whether or not he will have a financial stake in his assets.

Trump to cede business affairs Photos courtesy of | Creative Commons and Foundation For Allen Schools

2 | News and Features

AND with Emily Evans

Natalie McMahon sits down with sophomore Emily Evans to talk about her unusual pet: a raccoon.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR PET RACCOON. My dad actually wanted the pet raccoon since I was in fourth grade, and he came home one day and had a raccoon. I was like, “Take it back, I don’t want it.” It’s actually really mean; it likes to attack people. It’s cute, but it’s just a baby, so he likes to play. We’re getting it neutered soon so hopefully it will calm it down.

HOW DID YOU GET THIS RACCOON? My dad knows someone that owns a farm, and he had raccoons. That raccoon had babies, and he got [one] for free.

DO YOU LIKE IT? I liked it when it was a baby. It used to suck on my finger and fall asleep, but now it runs around everywhere, and it actually got out of its cage yesterday. They’re really smart. It bites me a lot. It actually bit my face yesterday. It hurts.

IS GETTING A RACCOON SOMETHING YOU RECOMMEND? No, not really. I didn’t want it in the first place, but my dad just likes to have weird animals. [My dad] wants to get a fox, which I think would be more fun than having a raccoon. I really don’t recommend [it] because they’re wild and they’re really hard to take care of.

Evans’ raccoon, Pepper, plays around with Evans and her family. Photos courtesy of | Emily Evans

News and Features | 3

A diabetic education November focuses on awareness, heatlh-conscious habits Story by | Corinne Chandler

very year, November commemorates Americans with diabetes. Over 29 million people in the country are affected by this metabolic disease which includes type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, formerly known as juvenile diabetes, is a less common form of the disease that typically impacts children. It forms when a person’s immune system starts to destroy the insulin producing cells, called Beta cells, in the pancreas. T1 can often be highly symptomatic, but also difficult to detect in a growing child’s body and lifestyle. Senior Abbey Wickersham, diagnosed with type 1 in July 2011, remembers the significant weight loss and consistent thirst that marked the milestone that would be her diagnosis. “My mom had been doing research on what was going on with me, and [my doctor’s check up] was really [her confirming] that it was diabetes,” Wickersham said. Though at first Wickersham recalls the surreal shock and emotional fragility she felt with her diagnosis, she was able to seek out opportunities that T1 gave her like Camp Sweeney. Camp Sweeney is a camp specifically designed to take T1 kids’ minds off the insulin injections and focus on being a “normal” kid. “[Camp Sweeney] helped me understand and maintain my diabetes, while

feeling [a sense of normalcy] and [making] connections with people who share the disease with me,” Wickersham said. “I don’t think I’d be half the person I am today without [Camp Sweeney].”

“

Diabetes 101 Stomach

I don’t think I’d be half the person I am today without [Camp Sweeney]. -senior Abby Wickersham

”

Living with diabetes can be a lifelong struggle that ranges from constantly checking your blood sugar levels to maintaining a strict diet. The upkeep that comes with it is unique to each affected individual. “I check my blood sugar 3-8 times a day, give myself insulin before every meal, and adjust my blood sugar often,” Wickersham said. “It sounds simple but there’s no real science to what your blood sugar is going to do.” The unpredictability of diabetics’ blood sugar levels can pose problems even with intense moderation and carefulness. “You [could] be eating healthy, working out and your blood sugar could be super high,” Wickersham said. “There’s just some things we can’t control.” In other instances, diabetes can be a product of poor lifestyle choices. The CDC

Graphics by | Megan Shankle Photos courtesy of | Creative Commons

reports that over 20 percent of children ages 11-20 are considered obese. Pediatric nurse practitioner Heather Begun has experience dealing with issues that the metabolic disease has brought on adolescents. “I would guess one-third of the patients I see are overweight,” Begun said. “These children are at high-risk or already have diabetes.” Diabetic shock is often the way most people are diagnosed. Once diagnosed, if they do not properly follow their regimen, they are once again at risk for the effects of diabetic shock. “Diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a result of extremely high glucose levels for a period of time, happens when—typically teens— are not taking their insulin or gain a lot of weight quickly,” Begun said. Non-diabetics will often feel extreme side effects when they have not eaten in some time. Diabetics start to lose the dizziness, fatigue and headaches accompanied by this hunger which in turn causes their glucose levels to rapidly decline. This can cause a different type of shock. “If not managed tightly, over time [it] can lead to poor wound healing, eye and kidney issues, blindness, loss of limbs,” Begun said. Ten years ago when she was having blackouts while driving and drinking an abnormal and unhealthy amount of soda

>The purpose of the

pancreas is to further break down food during digestion. It also uses the hormone insulin to regulate the level of glucose in the bloodstream.

>In Type 1 diabetics,

insulin is not presesent or is present in very small quantities.

>In Type 2 diabetics, the Pancreas

4 | News and Features

body does not respond to its own insulin supply.

>Gestational diabetes

occurs during pregnancy when hormones block the body’s insulin supply.

“

every day, Allen High School AP Biology teacher Lee Ferguson decided to seek out her physician’s help. It was then that her doctor told her she was a type 2 diabetic, and could have possibly been diabetic for a while before their visit. “I actually had to go through diabetes education classes with a dietitian, take two different medications, learn how to test my blood sugar levels four times a day, which was not awesome,” Ferguson said. Seven years after her initial diagnosis, Ferguson’s doctor notified her that her health was still not where it needed to be.

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People don’t understand how serious having diabetes is. Unless you’ve lived [a diabetic’s] life you don’t understand. -AP Biology teacher Lee Ferguson

her life. “People don’t understand how serious having diabetes is. It gives you poor circulation. It can cause really hurt your body,” Ferguson said. “Unless you’ve lived [a diabetic’s] life you don’t understand.” Pairing with our country’s escalating obesity rates is the increasing onset of diabetes and pre-diabetes at younger ages. High-sugar diets are the typical suspect in these preventable cases. Genetic predisposition is often confused with habits people learn from their parents, one of the most common being diets. “Yes, there is some genetic predisposition but if you don’t encourage children to eat healthy diets and exercise, then [type 2] is the inevitable result,” Ferguson said. “I see lots of little kids who now have this and I wouldn’t want that for any kid.” While the prognosis might not always be positive, organizations like the American Diabetes Association remind those impacted by the disease to be aware, active and most of all optimistic during the month of November. “Even people who aren’t diabetic or fit the stereotype of a diabetic need to be aware,” Ferguson said. “You’ve got to take care of yourself.”

”

“I was [overweight],” Ferguson said. “Summer 2013 I decided to have bariatric surgery. Two months later my diabetes was gone.” Ferguson’s remission period meant that she no longer had to take her medications, test her blood, or deal with the other common symptoms T2 had brought into

Managing the condition:

Diabetics check their blood anywhere from one to 10 times a day, and adjust their insulin accordingly.

A nutritious, high-fiber diet can help control diabetes. Eating at irregular times can cause dangerous fluctuations in blood sugar.

Exercise a few days a week. Building muscle can help prevent high blood glucose.

News and Features | 5

To Aerospace and beyond Juniors study STEM, prepare for the future with NASA program Story by | Audrey Viera

ASA’s Aerospace Scholars program gives Texas high school juniors the opportunity to study space from their laptops. The program, which involves various types of science including physics, chemistry and biology, allows students to explore a unique STEM career pathway before leaving high school. Students accepted into the program can participate in interactive online modules on aeronautics, earth science, 3D drawing and video creation. “[The purpose of the program is] to allow students an exciting, interactive aerospace experience which will allow students the opportunity to better understand this career field and to better understand if they believe this career field would be a good fit for them,” said College and Career Center Coordinator Kristy Dozier. Students from across Texas can apply for the program. Junior James Hubbard applied to be a part of Aerospace Scholars in October because of his interest in astrophysics. He received his acceptance the same month. “I just filled out some papers and got a bunch of letters, got some recommendations from counselors and teachers,” Hubbard said. “[When I found out I was accepted] I was like ‘Hey, that’s cool, I get to do all this cool stuff now.’ But all of the work is ahead of me and not behind me, so I couldn’t necessarily be like ‘I’ve accomplished so much’ when I have a lot to accomplish.” Since his acceptance into the program, Hubbard has been focused on his online courses with the program, which will continue until February. “It’s just to get a better understanding of the fields that you want to go into,” Hubbard said. “It could eventually lead to visiting a NASA site, and it helps you get

a better grip on what you want to do in the future.” Being a part of Aerospace Scholars gives Hubbard a chance to communicate with NASA engineers and scientists through virtual chats. A conversation with NASA could lead to a once in a lifetime opportunity as select Aerospace Scholars are invited to a weeklong all-expenses-paid trip to the Johnson Space Center in Houston.

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It helps you get a better grip on what you want to do in the future. -junior James Hubbard

to let us know of their acceptance to this program along with other programs. AHS is excited to hear about our students’ accomplishments and experiences.” Students invited to the Johnson Space Center are also given a chance to put their science and engineering skills to the test by planning a possible mission to Mars. “They’ve already done a couple of things in relation to [a Mars mission], but most of them are one-way,” Hubbard said. “Personally, I don’t think Mars is that appealing of a planet to settle. It would be cool, but in theory it’s not that far away from Earth if we’re trying to go for longevity. It is still a stepping stone, though.” Experiences in Aerospace Scholars allow juniors to receive a taste of what a career in NASA or a STEM field would be like through the Internet and give them an idea of what they may want to major in during their college years. “Experiences such as these allow students to broaden their experience base and understanding of what they ultimately want to do with life after high school,” Dozier said. “All students are encouraged to seek experiences that allow them to grow academically and personally.”

”

The students, who will be selected in March 2017, will participate in team projects, briefings directed by NASA scientists and engineering activities during the experience. “[We are] not given information on who is accepted to the program or who is invited to attend the summer experience,” Dozier said. “However, our students are encouraged

Junior James Hubbard works online on the Aerospace Scholars program. Photo by | Gabby Perez

6 | News and Features

Students peacefully protest, sit for Pledge Story by | Christine Odwesso

omething was different on Nov. 9, the day after the presidential election in junior Alfonso Gonzalez and Nicole Nyamongo’s French class — no one stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. “I think people were sitting because of the outcome of the elections,” Nyamongo said. “They believe Hillary should have won simply because she had more [popular] votes, and they were exercising their right to choose. People were doing it as a silent protest. If you think about it, veterans and the military fought for our right to protest.” There has been much national debate as of late about sitting during the Pledge, which many view as an act of sacrilege and especially disgraceful to America’s veterans. ‘’I think [sitting during the Pledge] is inherently disrespectful to armed forces and the nation. Plus, most people don’t know why they’re doing [it],” sophomore Ethan Story said. Administration was not available for comment at press time. However, the Allen High School Handbook allows students to be excused from reciting the Pledge if they turn in parent permission to an administrator

as part of the Texas Constitution. “A board shall require students, once during each school day, to recite the pledges of allegiance to the United States and Texas flags,” according to Education Code 25.081(e), .082. “On written request from a student’s parent or guardian, a district shall excuse the student from reciting a pledge of allegiance.” “I never stand for the Pledge,” Gonzalez said. “I haven’t since last year because of all the racial injustices that have been going on. It’s not much of a protest as it is common sense. In the Pledge it says, ‘liberty and justice for all,’ and if that’s not happening then why should I stand?” Gonzalez and Nyamongo agree that in the wake of the recent election, the divisions in our country have become more evident. The results have sparked numerous protests across the nation from students sitting down during the Pledge at AHS to an 8,000 people march against Trump in the streets of Los Angeles. “As soon as he was elected, we started hearing stories about people—even some close to home in Plano—about kids pulling

hijabs off girls’ heads,” Gonzalez said. “White kids were telling black kids they should go pick cotton. People who were secretly racist [now] think it’s okay to go express their hate, and that’s wrong.” Some people do not see the the point of protesting after the election. “I don’t know why you would protest the results of an election. It’s a democratic process. Donald Trump won whether you like it or not, he’s your president and you have to accept that,” Story said. “I have no problem with protesting. I just don’t think sitting down for the Pledge is the right way to go about it. “ Gonzalez believes that if someone doesn’t want to stand for the Pledge, they shouldn’t ignore injustice. “If [not standing is] disrespectful to you, then you stand,” Gonzalez said. “But I think you have to treat all citizens with respect. It’s not the biggest way people will hear about [an issue], but it’s something you can do if you’re not satisfied with what’s going on.”

Photo courtsey of | Creative Commons

tackling concussions The invisible injury and how Allen is taking it head-on

Story by | Parker Primrose and Jackson Stone

crushing blow to the head. The world temporarily goes black. Color comes back, but the scene around you appears to spin. You hear a whistle blow in the distance and feel someone lifting you back onto your feet. You stumble to the sideline and try to make sense of what just happened. You have been concussed, which can happen in any sport at any time. The word concussion inspires controversy. As the National Football League prepares to pay an estimated $1 billion settlement to former players affected by concussions, the spotlight has never been brighter on how athletic programs are recognizing and treating concussions in all sports.

The Anatomy of a Concussion

The Center for Disease Control defines a concussion as “a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body,” resulting in the head and the brain rapidly moving back and forth. The motion causes the

brain to bounce and twist within the skull, which stretches and damages brain cells and causes chemical changes in the brain. “The biggest thing with concussions is [they’re] not something you see,” Allen High School trainer Mary Lynn Miller said. “If you have an ankle sprain, you see it’s swollen, you see it’s purple, you feel it because there’s pain there. Whereas with a concussion you can’t see the brain swollen, you can’t see that the brain is ‘limping’ around because it’s injured.” The invisible nature of concussions can make them difficult to detect for players and medical staff alike. The speed of the game and potentially delayed symptoms can also disguise a concussion. “I absolutely think I’ve had more concussions than I’ve been diagnosed with,” former Allen football player Cody Wheeler said. “You could just take a hard blow to the head on a normal play, and your adrenaline’s pumping in the middle of a game, and you just don’t even acknowledge the fact that it happened.”

The Effects

Wheeler was a varsity offensive lineman at Allen High School for three years. He won three state championships and was ranked as the ninth best guard in the state of Texas according to Scout.com. Wheeler received a full ride to Texas Tech University to continue his football career,

but during his sophomore season, he made the decision to retire from football in order to protect his mental health. “You don’t feel like yourself,” Wheeler said about experiencing a concussion. “You just feel different. Looking at light hurts. Focusing on anything just drives you insane. Chronic headaches. It’s really hard to figure out what’s actually wrong, because you can’t really tell.” Wheeler was diagnosed with five concussions during his football career, suffering his first in the fourth grade and his last while in college. “It affected my school work for about two months after my fifth concussion,” Wheeler said. “The main thing about concussions is that when you’re trying to focus and [use] cognitive functions, it just irritates you. Even now, I’ll study for 20 minutes then take a five minute break and just relax so that I don’t get any bad headaches.” Concussions cause chemicals like calcium and potassium to rush into the brain, which results in difficulties with concentration. Concussions can also result in blurred vision. ` “[My concussion] was more frustrating than anything,” Allen junior offensive lineman Collier Bowen said. “The flourescent lights at the school gave me a headache. I had to stay home for a couple of days. I couldn’t do the school work for

News and Features | 9

Photos courtesy of | Glenn Beckmann

Strictly Original Equipment Manufacture (OEM) parts are used on all helmets.

for a few weeks, math in particular. They had me lay in a dark room and not mess with electronics or watch TV or anything like that for a couple of days.” Concussions have lasting symptoms because the chemicals in the brain take time to return to their normal levels after the collision. “[Team physician] Dr. Jim Sterling always refers to it as a snow globe,” Miller said. “You shake up the snow globe when you get hit, and you have to let all that snow settle down. You have to let your brain heal before you go back in. If you go back in too early, it’s shaking that snow globe right

Concussions cause difficulty thinking clearly, concentrating and recalling new information as well as a general lethargic feeling. An estimated 1.6 to 3.8 million concussions occur per year.

Concussions lead to a lack of energy, nausea or vomiting, headaches and blurry vision, dizziness, sensitivity to light and noise and balance problems.

10 | News and Features

Helmets are inspected and recertified to National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) standards.

back up again, and you don’t want that to happen.”

Prevention and Attention

Although concussions may be alarming, the recognition and treatment of concussions has radically improved in recent history. “From getting your bell rung 20 years ago to now, it’s a night-and-day difference,” Miller said. “The state law here in Texas is named after one of our girl soccer players, Natasha Helmick. The law made everything uniform. If [a] health care provider or someone suspects that [an] athlete has a

concussion, then they have to go get seen by a medical doctor, and that medical doctor has to clear them.” The advancement in the concussion science and technology has allowed medical staff to more accurately determine when a concussion has occurred and when an athlete has fully recovered. “Now [diagnosing concussions] is evidence-based, [using a variety of new testing techniques such as] using impact, using King-Devick, using Sway testing to find out if they do have a concussion,” head trainer Mike Harrison said. “It’s black and white when we do tests like those. Even

Irritability, sadness and nervousness or anxiety are common when concussed.

Heads up

Wrap your head around these concussion facts.

5-10 percent of athletes will suffer from a concussion in any given sports season.

49.5 percent of players never missed a game after receiving a concussion.

Graphic by | Sara Schleede Information collected from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and FRONTLINE Concussion Watch.

though you look okay, you’re still not.” The use of data in the treatment of concussions represents a sharp change from the days of judging the health of players solely off of the eye test. According to Harrison, having hard evidence helps make it clear to athletes that they really are injured. “It takes a lot of the pressure off us as athletic trainers,” Harrison said. “It doesn’t happen here, but it happens at other places, trainers being pressured by coaches for that athlete to play, being pressured by parents for that athlete to play. Fortunately, we have a great coaching staff here who knows when to back off.” In addition to using advanced techniques to treat concussions, measures to prevent concussions have improved, especially at Allen. “Our athletes are important to us,” Harrison said. “We want them to come back 10 years from now and say ‘hey’ to us and see them be successful.” The first step of the prevention process is making sure that the athletes are familiar with the signs of a concussion and are able to self-report if they feel that they might have one. “At the beginning of the year, all the athletes see a sports safety training video,” Harrison said. “It lists out all the symptoms of a possible concussion, so athletes are aware of what to look for [and] feel.” The second step in the prevention process is ensuring that the athletes are properly protected from collisions and impacts to the head, which is done by providing athletes with the right equipment. “The name of our helmets is Schutt, and it’s the best helmet on the market,” football head coach Terry Gambill said. “The helmets that our football players are wearing, they cost over $300. It’s the same helmet that they wear in the NFL and college [football], and they’re reconditioned every year. When I say reconditioned, [I mean] they are put through tests. They take them and they ram the helmets at like 60 miles an hour, and they see if they can shatter them.” In addition to providing physical protection, coaches are protecting players in the way

they teach the game. Through initiatives like USA Football’s Heads Up tackling program, players are being taught how to protect themselves from injury. “The game is now safer than it ever has [been] because of how coaches teach tackling,” Gambill said. “We now teach tackling totally [different] than it was taught years ago. We don’t teach using your head anymore, we teach using your chest, your shoulders and your arms. I can remember [when I was] playing and everyone used to talk about ‘use your helmet’. We do not use our helmet. The game is so much safer now.”

What’s Next

Concussions are a serious health hazard and should not be taken lightly, but it’s important to recognize that competing in any form of athletics carries a health risk, whether it be a brain injury or leg injury. “Accidents happen,” Gambill said. “We can’t control accidents. I just think that the game offers so many life lessons, and I think those values are very important to young people. Think about what football does for this community. It’s the one sport that brings this entire community together on Friday night.” Football isn’t alone in its battle with concussions. It’s an issue that athletics as a whole is working to address. “No sport is immune to [concussions],” Harrison said. “Soccer is number two. Cheerleading is big with concussions. You can get it in swimming. It happens.” Concussions have existed in sports since their conception, and they will continue to exist in any environment where collisions occur. But as the science and understanding of concussions grows, the potential for progress is always present. “I suspect 10 to 15 years from now, what we’re talking about today is going to be obsolete,” Miller said. “Hopefully it will be better — better care and better treatment and better safety. Whatever comes later on down the road to protect athletes, especially at the elite levels that they can play with, will help them not have to worry what’s going to happen after they retire, or what’s going to happen if they play sports.”

road to recovery How athletes return to the game

Either players, coaches or trainers notice and report players’ symptoms. Player’s symptoms are evaluated using the King-Devick test either on the field or in the training room. The team physician gives the player an impact test — a computerized concussion test that evaluates an individual’s cognitive state. Once diagnosed, athletes are given academic accommodations and are instructed to rest. The player enters Return to Play protocol, which generally takes five days. Once they complete the Return to Play protocol, the player signs a UIL release form and can go back to participation.

ImPACT tests A closer look ImPACT

>Before and after concussion diagnosis >25-minute online test >Records severity of 22 concussion symptoms, such as attention span and working memory

Sway

>App for measuring balance and stability >Used post-diagnosis for concussion management

King-Devick

>For identifying head trauma and concussions >Used on sidelines >Tablet-based >Detects impairments in eye movements, attention and language

News and Features | 11

Allen’s Drive To State All information was accurate as of Dec. 2.

Round 6

Graphic by | Jackson Stone

Allen, Westlake/Lake Travis/Atascocita/North Shore

Allen could play their toughest opponent in recent memory during this year’s state game. North Shore won the state title last year defeating Westlake. Allen could also play Westlake, a team who ended the Eagle’s 57-game winning streak. But one of the hottest playoff teams right now is Lake Travis, an 11-1 team currently ranked 8th in the state. Allen has some tough games left between them and a state title, but the end goal is very feasible. Look for Allen to step offensively and make a final push for the state title. If everything comes together, Allen could have their 4th title in the last five years.

Round 5

Allen, Round Rock/The Woodlands

Allen will most likely play The Woodlands in the semi-finals. The Highlanders are currently ranked 4th in the state and boast an undefeated record. This could be one of Allen’s toughest opponenets, but Allen should still prevail over anyone they play, especially Roundrock, and advance to state yet again.

Round 4

Allen, Duncanville

Allen will play their first game at AT&T stadium against Duncanville, the 23rd ranked team in state. Expect Allen to light up the scoreboard and keep Duncanville out of the endzone for majority of the game. Allen has a clear advantage in this game and should advance to the final four.

Round 3

Allen 34, San Angelo Central 21

In one of the most hyped-up playoff games, Allen delivered once again proving their might against one of Texas’ top-ranked teams. The Eagles showed excellence on defense especially in a second half that included bad weather. With the win, Allen moved to number one in the state passing Desoto once again.

Round 2

Allen 24, Belton 7

The first cold game of the year did not phase Allen, the defense stepped up big to hold a good Belton offense to only seven points. The offense stepped up in big situations that took any momentum Belton had away. The win improved Allen to 12-0 on the season.

Round 1

Allen 34, Trinity 25

A slow start eventually led to a 4th quarter deficit, but Allen kicked things into gear outscoring the Trojans 10 to zero in the final 11 minutes of the game. Finalizing another undefeated season at Eagle Stadium, Allen stays unbeaten on their home turf for the fourth straight year.

12 | Sports

Juniors Jenna Wicker (top) and Sydney Ewing (bottom) performing during the 2016 competition season.

balancing act

Photos courtesy of | Sydney Ewing and Jenna Wicker

Student gymnasts reflect on their commitment to the sport Story by | Megan Shankle

unior Jenna Wicker wakes up around 7, and by 8 she’s at the gym practicing routines. After two and a half hours of training and a quick primping session, she slides into a desk at 11 to attend school until 3:35. At 4, she’s back at the gym practicing bars, beams, floor and vault. Rinse and repeat. It’s the hectic schedule associated with being an elite gymnast while still in high school. Wicker, who trains at the World Olympic Gymnastics Academy (WOGA), has been enrolled in gymnastics since the age of 2. “I train 36 hours a week,” Wicker said. “Gymnastics is kind of like my job, even though I’m paying to be there.” WOGA, with locations in Plano and Frisco, is renowned for its level of rigor and has been producing famous Olympic gymnasts since 1994, including former Allen resident Carly Patterson, Nastia Liukin and Rio 2016 silver medalist Madison Kocian. Junior Sydney Ewing, who also trains at WOGA, describes Kocian as a fellow teammate and mentor. “I’ve known Madison since 2007, so watching her grow up and get through all the hard times and make it to the Olympics is probably the coolest part,” Ewing said. “[She] actually talked a lot to me about managing stress and taking deep breaths and knowing that I’ve trained so hard for this and to just keep positive in my head.” Competitive gymnastics spans 10 levels, with a team competing at each level as well as an Elite team preparing for Olympic training. Competition season typically runs from January to May, although training is year-round. The time commitment and competitive

atmosphere of Level 10 gymnastics requires an unwavering passion for the sport that few possess. “I love the feeling of winning,” Wicker said. “Even on tough days, I still love it. If I ever quit, I would be a whole different person.” However, gymnastics isn’t without its challenges. The strict training schedule allows little time for any activities outside of gym and school, and the competition is intense.

“

Gymnastics has shaped me as a person. -junior Jenna Wicker

to compete with the Mexican national gymnastics team. She said that attending public school would not have been possible without the Off Campus PE program offered at AHS. “I have three periods off and I’m able to do gym because of that,” Koch said. “Some other schools don’t let you take as much time off as this school does.” The Off Campus PE program, offered at the middle school and high school level, allows students heavily involved in a sport that is not offered on campus to gain PE credit and miss up to one class period per day. To qualify for Category I of the program, a student has to train for 15 or more hours per week at a training facility approved by the district. “Students and parents want their kids to be involved in the social side of high school,” Off Campus PE Coordinator Debbie Evans said. “There are opportunities here that aren’t available through homeschooling or at private schools.” For students like Wicker, Ewing and Koch, who train up to six hours a day while attending school, it can be challenging to maintain a school schedule that fulfills the Texas Education Agency’s requirements while also allowing enough gym time. “We work as well as we can within the rules,” Evans said. “As you get farther along in high school, you have off periods that can help you out.” Even with the sacrifices, Ewing remains tirelessly committed to her sport. “It’s a crazy journey, but in the end it’s worth it,” Ewing said. “I’ve noticed more and more throughout the years that it’s finally paying off.”

”

“It’s really hard to manage school and gym and friends,” Wicker said. “But I love it so much that I have to make it work.” For a select few, years of gymnastics can evolve into an Olympic career, but many gymnasts instead choose to continue their education by committing to college gymnastics. Ewing is already verbally committed to Michigan State University with a full athletic scholarship, a feat that can take years of research and determination. College women’s gymnastics, introduced by the NCAA in 1982, is often less competitive than its elite counterpart, which Ewing cites as a benefit. “College gymnastics is a lot more fun and less stressful,” Ewing said. “It’s for the team, not just for yourself.” Junior Michel Koch, who was born and lived in Mexico until 2010, is aiming not only for a college scholarship but also

Sports | 13

Students throw down in ceramics Photos by | Kristen Trujillo

Left | Senior Brendan Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil begins sculpting the framework for his next project: a personalized mug. Right | The high schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ceramics course allows art students to explore pottery as an artistic medium.

Left | Sophomore Juliana Drawert creating her latest piece. Right | Sophomore Gabriel Martinez sculpts a rim around the edge of his cup.

>Ceramics Club meets every week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The meetings are from 3:35 pm-4:55 pm. 14 | Photo Essay

Sophomore Victoria Brown prepares clay for ceramics students.

Senior Zach Rigsby considers how to paint his freshly baked pumpkin piece. Ceramics students created the pieces in the spirit of the holidays.

Junior Haley Benter carefully applies paint to her pumpkin.

Photo Essay | 15

The nature of the A personal column Column by | Makayla Nerpel

he couch felt scratchy underneath me as my little legs swung back and forth. At 8 years old, the concept of sitting still for more than five minutes was a completely foreign concept. Across the room on another couch sat my parents. “Kayla,” my mom said, “we need to talk about something important.” I remember feeling ecstatic, thinking the talk was about our upcoming vacation. My mom looked at my dad and continued. “You remember Dr. Harney?” she asked. I nodded. My mom had been seeing him a lot recently. She laid in a big metal tube and she wasn’t allowed to move at all, not even to talk. “Mommy is sick,” she said. “It’s called MS. I’m going to need you to be brave, Kayla. You’re going to have to be a big girl for mommy. Can you do that for me?” I smiled the biggest smile I could manage and replied, “I can do that.” Multiple sclerosis, or MS, in short, is a homewrecker. Somewhere along the span of my mother’s 29 years on this planet, her immune system made a huge mistake. For uncertain reasons, her body no longer recognized her nerve cells and began to attack them. This severely affected her brain processing ability as well as her mobility. My dad’s job required him to travel during the week, so most of the time it was only my mom, my little brother and me at home. When my mother’s MS got bad, I ran the household. I can remember pulling

16 | Commentary

beast

dining room chairs up to the stovetop so I could make dinner for the family. I held mom’s hair back whenever the vertigo was too much to take. By 8 years old, I vacuumed, did dishes, did laundry, enforced my brother’s bedtime and was the best stand-in mom I could be. One night, when an especially bad MS attack left my mom unable to move from the couch, I snuck downstairs and sat by her side. The stress from running a house alone was beginning to be too much for me to handle. I sat quietly and watched my mom’s stomach rise and fall with her breathing, until it stopped. I began to panic, thinking she had stopped breathing. My head blazed with panic as I shook her shoulders, desperately trying to wake her. She opened her eyes and asked me what was wrong. I realized I was mistaken. At 9 years old, I had my first panic attack. Not long after, I became extremely depressed. I lost interest in school, in my life at home. I merely ran through the motions. I knew what was expected of me, and I did just that. I felt as though I was watching my mother slowly die in front of me. I felt helpless. My mood fluctuated between anger, sadness and an all-encompassing numbness. I was willing to go to drastic lengths to feel again, so at 10 years old, I self-harmed for the first time. The next four years were a cycle of selfdestructive behaviors. From refusing to eat, to self-harm, to unusual bouts of fury, I was beginning to fall apart under the stress

I put myself under trying to be the perfect daughter/mother/student. I fought with my parents often, desperately trying to distract them from what I was going through. It worked pretty well, too. I went through hour after hour of therapy, some with my parents, some alone. Eventually I met a woman named Dr. Kreins. Unlike some of the other doctors I’d met, she seemed genuinely interested in the trials I had gone through. I described my intense anger, my inability to place trust in people, my frequent rocky relationships. Together we arrived at my official diagnosis: borderline personality disorder with a considerable splash of depersonalization disorder. After my diagnosis, I was able to more effectively work on the root of the issue, an ingrained fear of abandonment as a result of my mother’s sickness. I’m sure you’re expecting a lovely fairytale ending. That’s how these stories usually work, right? Unfortunately, that isn’t the hand I was dealt. That isn’t to say my life hasn’t improved, though. I haven’t self-harmed in so long, my scars are beginning to fade. My mom and I are currently on good terms, and arguments are sparse. My life isn’t perfect by any means, but it is better. It comes and leaves, but the effects on the people you love don’t fade. That’s the nature of the beast with illnesses.

astrology:

Which movie are you? Compiled by | Pauline Esguerra and Astrid Souto

i sagittarius

november 22 - december 21 These individuals are normally extremely blunt and love a good comedy in which the main character resembles their own comedic personality. Therefore, “Bridesmaids” is their go-to film.

l pisces

february 19 - march 20 Pisces is the sign of Sci-Fi and escapism, therefore anything outof-the-ordinary will captivate them. A pisces also appreciates fantasy and mythical creatures. The “Harry Potter” series is my suggestion for this sign.

c gemini

may 21 - june 20 Geminis are into indie movies with an interesting backstory or meaning. My recommendation, a classic Woody Allen movie: “Midnight in Paris.”

f virgo

august 23 - september 22 Virgo’s love a good art-imitateslife movie plot. They like to be inspired by people’s lives and like to find something to trigger something better in their own. Which is why “Cafe Society” is the best movie for a realist like a Virgo.

j capricorn

k aquarius

december 22 - january 19 Capricorn’s love anything with the name “trilogy” written all over it. They are very observant in the world of movie-watching and bundle up their predictions for every future scene. And there’s nothing that says “trilogy” more than the Hunger Games.

january 20 - february 18 Science Fiction and special effects are right up an Aquarius’ alley. Notable for their inventive natures, an Aquarius loves a good Sci-Fi/Fantasy. Which is why “Avatar” is a must-see for this sign.

a aries

March 21 - April 19 Aries dig thrillers, and any action and adventure movies. Which is why “The Call” would be an adrenaline-pumping thriller that should be on the top of your watchlist.

cancer

june 21 - july 22 Cancers love a film that can make them cry. As the most emotional sign of the zodiac, they appreciate a good tear-jerker. This is why I suggest “Marley and Me” for every Cancer.

g libra

september 23 - october 22 A Libra generally loves movies that will appeal to their romantic side. They love to search for a pleasurable escape from reality. That’s why “Stuck in Love” is the perfect movie for this sign.

taurus

april 20 - may 20 Taurus are pragmatic people but are open-minded in the sense that they love a good drama where a protagonist has an emotional backstories. Which is why a classic movie for all to see is “The Breakfast Club.”

e leo

july 23 - august 22 Leos absolutely love dramatic bangs, explosions and other special effects. An action movie would definitely appeal to these individuals. My film suggestion for a Leo is the popular “I Am Legend.”

h scorpio

october 23 - november 21 Scorpios are into dark comedies and find humor in the most mysterious ways. They love anything that involves teens and their wild lives. Which is why “Heathers” is a great movie for Scorpios.

Commentary | 17

Make America Fear Again Y

ou’ll probably see hundreds of columns like this. Columns about anxiety for the future. Columns about shame. Columns by every minority and person our newest president has made feel undeserving of the American dream because of the color of their skin or the letter on their birth certificate. Columns mourning the election of Donald Trump. Here’s one by a woman. Let me start off by saying I am a natural cynic. I have always believed in the certainty of our own destruction. I have always believed narcissism is the greatest influencer of human motivation. And the few good are almost always drowned in the harsh realities of the world we’ve created. Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe it’s a sad way to live. But I’ve always held it so because I believe it’s true. And the truth is always painful and seen by a few. However, even I, a long and practiced cynic, a doubter of the goodness in human nature, never saw this coming. I watched in horror as more and more states slowly turned red Tuesday night.

I watched in absolute shock as Trump’s smirking face rose above Clinton’s. As cynical as I am, I thought that the last 10 years revealed we were finally on the right path. There will always be hatred. There will always be people who lack the empathy and dignity to accept anyone different than them. That is undeniable and permanent and hideous and true. But I thought we were beginning to leave people like that behind. We just elected one of those people as president. I am ashamed. I am disgusted. I am so afraid. And I don’t care if my feelings have ceased to matter to half the American population because this is personal. Since I was in middle school, I have been, in my opinion, cursed with a fuller figure than most. Since I was 11 years old, I have felt men stare at my chest as I walk by. I have watched boys, lips twisting, lean their heads together to whisper things I cannot bear to write. I have had boys I scarcely know ask to hug me. Once I foolishly hugged someone who I thought

Column by | Julia Zaksek was a friend three times in the belief I was comforting him. Till I pulled away and saw him trying to stare down my shirt. I have never talked to anyone about these things. Am I ashamed? Maybe. Did I believe pushing them to some obscure corner of my mind would make them nonexistent? Yes. But I’m done with that now. A man has been elected who has bragged about sexual assault. Who has bragged about using the wealth and fame his better fortune gave him to objectify young women. A man who laughed about it. And no one seems to care. No one seems to think it’s a big deal. That’s what our children will think. That’s what the men who watch girls walk by will think. That’s what the next Brock Turner will think. That’s what college football players will think as they follow an 18-year-old girl outside while she goes to get some fresh air. And that will be all that will be on my mind as I walk down the street, keys clenched like knives between my knuckles and 911 on speed dial in my hand. But now, I wonder if anyone will listen if I hit the button.

artists of allen andrea gomez

“

I like to stay positive, and it’s really hard for me to express myself like that, so when I’m thinking really negative I try my best to start focusing on the positives again. That’s why I made my Uniformity piece, because I think if everyone united they would be way happier. I’m Hispanic, so that’s my heritage being represented by my La Niña piece that has the little girl on it. I love my heritage and I really wanted something that could show that. Here’s my ‘64 Impala piece, and it basically represents my personality because I grew up in California, and what you would think brings violence brings out so much beauty. I really want my work to convey unity and just staying positive, something that can apply to all people.

18 | Commentary

”

Compiled by | Tate Peterson

Staff Editorial: The Eagle Angle stands beside sitting students

n Aug. 26, 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick became the epicenter of a fiery debate about constitutional rights, proper respect and patriotism when he kneeled for the national anthem before a preseason football game. Kaepernick chose to kneel as an act of protest against the United States’ supposed oppression of people of color and as a protest in what he believes to be excessive police force. Since then, the controversial method of demonstration has spread beyond the NFL to universities and schools. Students across America are choosing to stay in their seats and keep their hands at their sides when asked to stand for the Pledge. America was founded on the principle of civil disobedience. That’s why the Founding Fathers preserved the right to peacefully protest in the First Amendment. Choosing to sit and not say the Pledge is by nature undisruptive and has no effect on students’ peers or teachers. The only concrete implication of students peacefully

sitting during the Pledge is the possibility of creating an opportunity for discussion, something to be valued in a time where civilized discourse is becoming a rarity. Even if peers have conflicting opinions, everyone can benefit from considering a different perspective. Peaceful protest is the right of students, a right the Eagle Angle firmly believes all students should have the choice to enjoy. The Constitution is not a buffet. We cannot chose some amendments and leave the ones that don’t sit well with us. If we can vehemently support the Second Amendment, we must support the First. The difference many people cite is the national anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance are not simply American traditions or novelties; they represent our country and our values, and by refusing to acknowledge them, protestors are disrespecting those who have served to protect it. Yes, the Pledge and our national anthem do hold significance, and they are associated

with patriotism. However, protesters are not sitting to make a negative statement about our veterans. People are sitting during our Pledge and anthem because they no longer believe our country upholds the promises these songs and speeches make. Like Kaepernick, they do not feel there is liberty and justice for all. They do not believe this is the land of the free. They believe there is justice and freedom for the few who happen to be born the right gender and/or ethnicity. If we find it acceptable to penalize someone for their beliefs, we have returned to the unfair reality America’s forefathers fought so desperately to end. This is not an issue about nationalism or honoring troops. This is an issue about the inequality and unfairness that still remains in the home of the brave. Our veterans fought and died to defend our constitutional rights, our freedom of protest. By exercising it, we are not disrespecting their service; we are showing our gratitude.

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Commentary | 19

‘Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life’ Review by | Sara Schleede

echnically, my home is right here in Allen, Texas. But in my heart, my hometown is the quirky, heartwarming Stars Hollow, Connecticut. So when “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life” premiered on Netflix Nov. 25, it felt like going home again. “Gilmore Girls” aired its first episode Oct. 5, 2000, and it’s been almost a decade since the show was cancelled and the final episode aired May 20, 2007. The show follows the lives of Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and Rory (Alexis Bledel), mother and daughter who act more like best friends, as they navigate their professional and romantic lives. Many fans were unsatisfied with the show’s initial seven season run. The original writers Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino left the show after season six, leaving David S. Rosenthal to wrap up the series. The shift changed the vibe of the show immensely, and the show ended with loose ends and an overall displeasing taste in everyone’s mouths. But then the revival was announced, and the fans had a beacon of hope. Finally the show would wrap up in the way that was originally intended. To say I’m a big fan of “Gilmore Girls” would be an insulting understatement. I rewatch the series in an endless cycle, and I can recall episode names based on a single line of dialogue. Needless to say, I was nervous that the new episodes wouldn’t live up to everything I had created them to be in my head, but overall, the revival did not disappoint. The gazebo was still standing in the center of town square, Miss Patty was still leading dance lessons and Taylor Doose was still plotting elaborate town improvements. Everything was as it was left almost 10 years ago, except now in higher definition. Much of the show’s personality comes from the pop culture references the characters playfully ingrain into conversation, and I was worried about

how it would sound with Lorelai talking about “Game of Thrones” rather than “The Sopranos.” Fortunately, the modern references didn’t come off as clunky or wooden. Rory had not one, but two smartphones rather than the pager she used in the original run of the show, but the shift to modern technology seemed natural and didn’t interrupt the flow. Sometimes revivals can be depressing because you realize all of the time that has gone by, but it worked well. Gilmore Girls isn’t just a good show because of its quick wit and eccentric setting; what has drawn me to it for so many years has been the characters. Lorelai and Rory are messy, complicated, and interesting. Sometimes I can’t tell if the writers want me to be rooting for them or not, and they continued to embrace the moral ambiguity in the revival. There were times that I wanted to scream at Rory through my laptop screen, but I never dared to turn an episode off, because while her conflicts were frustrating, they were also fascinating. Lorelai grappling with her father’s death and ever-present struggling relationship with her mother Emily (Kelly Bishop) was one of the most well-crafted and tender interpersonal and intrapersonal conflicts I’ve seen played out on television. The revival was not without its flaws. The ending is controversial. And more than a little unsatisfying. As always happens, there is already discussion about a second season. There is a lot more story that can happen, so I would definitely watch if that were the case. But honestly, even if this revival had been a complete bust, I would still watch another season of it. I’m addicted to “Gilmore Girls” like a Gilmore girl is addicted to caffeine. Luckily, “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life” wasn’t hard to swallow, and I give it four out of five coffee cups (er...stars).

Starring:

Everyone except Melissa McCarthy and Keiko Agena

Returning Cast:

Everyone except Max Medina

The Good: Lorelai Gilmore

The Bad: Rory Gilmore

The Ugly:

Not Jared Padalecki, he looked great

Rating:

Four out of five coffee cups

20 | Commentary

The Weeknd: ‘Starboy’

Review by | Corinne Chandler

he Weeknd has given us so much to be thankful for this season. “Starboy” made its debut late Thanksgiving night filled with typical tracks you would hear from the Canadian artist, paired with some new outside-the-box punk beats. On his fourth album, The Weeknd is no stranger to the fame a successful album can bring. His rising popularity is evident in his numerous popular featured artists; Future, Kendrick Lamar, Lana Del Rey and Daft Punk all bring their own incredible vocals on “Starboy.” Del Rey and The Weeknd, who previously performed “Prisoner” on “Beauty Behind the Madness,” continued their streak of contemporary ballads with “Stargirl Interlude.” The pair effortlessly harmonize into a lovestruck galaxy far away from us. Other tracks like “Love to Lay” and “Party Monster”--a second track Rey can be

heard on--show a more diverse pop side to The Weeknd. Tracks on his flagship albums would show anything but pop, but his slow transition to today’s top hits has treated him well. The Weeknd still keeps his deeprooted indie R&B vibes in other tracks like “True Colors,” creating a melting pot of an album. The Weeknd’s talent is effortlessly displayed in this album, yet again. After the fame that his past albums have brought him, he had a lot to live up to —which he definitely did. It’s not often you can see an artist incorporate bluesy R&B and electropunk with a pop radio hit, but somehow he makes it work. The one caveat for “Starboy” is the slight feeling that some of these tracks are way too similar to past tracks. “Party Monster” really reminds me of “I’m Good,” a collab The Weeknd featured on with Lil Wayne back in 2013. With this being his

fourth album, one would hope he continues to make new hits, and not just slightly altered past ones. Overall “Starboy” deserves an ‘A.’ His vocals, as always, did not disappoint, and his capabilities to reach multiple genres in one collective album is what makes him uniquely popular.

Track by Track: ‘Nemesis’ Review by | Felix Kalvesmaki “Library” “Nemesis” is the newest EP by Bridgit Mendler, better known for her earlier work with Disney Channel and subsequent projects. As much as I wanted to like it, it feels inconsistent and incomplete. But let’s take it track by track.

“Atlantis”

The distorted, crackling debut single off of “Nemesis” is easily the best on the track list. We start off with a mellow and casual introductory vocal before diving into a more chatty style of singing for the rest of the verse. Throwing a foggy double-vocal onto the main chorus, “Atlantis” will immediately catch an ear. The submerged production — the crackling bass and humming synth, layered over percussion that almost sounds like a serene waterfall — along with a clever lyricist behind it, solidify a mesmerizing, hypnotic opening track.

Where this EP slips is “Library,” the second track. It’s fun, but a bit dizzyingly slow after “Atlantis.” The opening acoustic guitar could make your head swim following the first song, and it gets better after the beat picks up, but it’s still quite a departure that drags the consistency down. And the musical style of classic rock bass and floating electric keys isn’t the only divergence. The lyrical content is easy on the ears, but it’s bright, sugary, almost to the point of distaste. It’s cute, but that’s about it.

“Snap My Fingers”

This track is probably the most disappointing. The instrumental doesn’t do much other than loop for the entire song, and she says the word “whip” 39 times. I’m not kidding. It simply gets a little annoying after awhile. It’s a fun track if you don’t think about it. If you do? I’m sorry.

“Do You Miss Me At All”

Track three brings the EP back to the darker attitude served by “Atlantis.” This is a song with more bravado than the last, and it works for Mendler’s new branding and apparent musical goals. The lyrics, written about an ex she seemingly can’t get off her mind, are perfectly longing for the jazzy but melancholy sound of the song.

The Verdict

There was a sense of maturity in “Atlantis” and “Miss Me...” that he other two tracks couldn’t carry. Mendler showed potential with “Nemesis,” but it just fell flat.

Commentary | 21

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